Five Simple Actions to Challenge a Cull of Gulls

If you find out that a gull cull is happening, as well as letting Animal Aid know, here are some things that you can do yourself to try to stop it from going ahead.

Contact the organiser
Phone, email or write to the organisers, to explain why the cull is cruel and to suggest alternatives. We have an example letter you can use here.
Encourage others to object
The cull is more likely to be cancelled if there’s lots of opposition. Spread the word to friends and family and on social media. We have some suggested wording for a social media post here.
Contact your councillors
If the cull is being carried out by your local council or on council land, ask your councillors, to raise the issue within the council on your behalf. Here is an example of a letter to send to a councillor.
Start a petition
Petitions are a simple and effective way to show the level of opposition to a cull. Click on this link for advice on creating a petition and suggested wording.
Contact your local media
Getting the story in your local paper or radio station can publicise your campaign and get more opposition to the cull. Click here for help with this.

Useful Resources

Bird Advice Sheet – please share this with local residents who may want to deter gulls from their garden.
Alternatives to Culling Booklet – can be shared with councils and other organisations carrying out a cull.
How to Get Active for Animals!– our guide contains information and other suggestions that may be useful for your campaign, such as organising a demonstration.

Please note

Please don’t feel you have to do all the actions above, however the more you are able to do, the more likely a cull is to be cancelled.

If possible, try to get others involved, you could then allocate tasks depending on your experience. For example, one of you might have started a petition before and have a big following on social media, whereas another individual may have spoken to one of your local councillors in the past. If you are working on your own, get in touch and we can provide you with a list of groups in your area.

Please contact Animal Aid if you would like further support or have any questions regarding challenging a cull.